GM Timur Gareev seized the National Open title on Sunday night by scoring a sacrificial victory over GM Varuzhan Akobian, who was on a perfect 5-0. Timur ended with 5.5, and as he likes to say, "shipped" the trophy, the $6000+ first prize and the title. GM Akobian was actually in contention for even more money--there was a perfect score bonus of $1600.

Timur called this win over Var, marked by moves such as 29. Bxh6 and 30. Bh7+, one of his "sexiest ever."